A 64-year-old grandfather, Abubakar Aliyu, has been arrested by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Gombe State for allegedly sexually abusing a 14-year-old girl.
Aliyu, who operates a medicine shop at Arawa Quarters in Gombe, was arrested following a complaint lodged by the girl’s mother.
The suspect reportedly confessed to the offence while being interrogated by security operatives, admitting that the incident occurred on three occasions.
Parading the suspect, the NSCDC Public Relations Officer in the state, CSC Saad Buhari, said the girl had visited Aliyu’s shop at night to purchase medicine.
Aliyu reportedly said the girl came to his shop at about 11pm, adding that he initially told her to return home because of the late hour.
He, however, admitted that he subsequently lured the girl and abused her.
The suspect, who has several grandchildren, reportedly claimed that the girl was the only minor involved in the alleged abuse.
Explaining his actions, Aliyu attributed them to what he described as temptation, while expressing regret over the incident.
He also disclosed that his wife had warned him to stay away from the girl but that he ignored the advice.
The development has reportedly strained the suspect’s relationship with members of his community, with some of his family members distancing themselves from him.
One of his children, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the family had become uncomfortable with the situation and did not want children around the suspect.
“We are not on good terms with our neighbours. We don’t even want our children near him because of what was alleged,” the family member said.
Buhari said the suspect would be charged before a court in Gombe after the completion of investigation.
He added that the alleged offences contravened provisions of the Gombe State Penal Code Law and the Child Protection Law.
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